Nanny

As part of your day-to-day duties, you could:

• feed, bath and dress children, and change babies' nappies
•  teach basic social skills and hygiene
•  provide a safe setting for children
•  help children to learn through play
•  take children on outings to widen their experiences
•  do nursery and school runs
•  organise play opportunities to help children mix with others
•  prepare healthy meals and snacks
•  tidy up and clean rooms used by the children
•  keep records for the family

• sensitivity and understanding
• the ability to work on your own
• patience and the ability to remain calm in stressful situations
• knowledge of English language
• to be flexible and open to change
• excellent verbal communication skills
• active listening skills
• the ability to understand people’s reactions
• to be able to carry out basic tasks on a computer or hand-held device

You could choose to register with Ofsted. This is voluntary for nannies but may help you to get more work.

You can get into this job through:

• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• volunteering
• applying directly

With qualifications and experience, you could become a childminder, nursery officer or teaching assistant. You might also work as an au pair, living-in with a family in this country or overseas.

With further training, you could become a children's nurse or early years teacher.